GKIDS, the acclaimed North American distributor of animated films, has acquired the rights to Studio 4°C’s latest anime feature, ChaO. The film is set to premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France, running from June 8 to June 14, 2025. This acquisition promises to bring a unique and visually stunning romantic comedy to North American audiences.
A Fish Out of Water Story
ChaO tells the story of Stephan, a mild-mannered office worker at a shipbuilding company, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he is proposed to by Chao, a princess from the mermaid kingdom. With little time to process the situation, Stephan finds himself living with the unpredictable and earnest Chao. As her sincere love begins to break down his emotional barriers, an unexpected and touching romance unfolds.
Studio 4°C: A Legacy of Innovation
Studio 4°C, founded in 1986 by Eiko Tanaka and Koji Morimoto, is renowned for its innovative and visually striking animation. The studio’s name is derived from the temperature at which water is most dense, symbolizing their commitment to depth and substance in their work. Over the years, Studio 4°C has produced numerous acclaimed films, OVAs, and shorts, including:
- Memories (1995)
- Spriggan (1998)
- Princess Arete (2001)
- Mind Game (2004)
- Tekkonkinkreet (2006)
- Children of the Sea (2019)
- Poupelle of Chimney Town (2020)
- Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko (2021)
Studio 4°C is also known for its contributions to The Animatrix (2003), a joint production with Warner Bros., and various TV series and OVAs such as Macross 7, Transformers: Animated, and ThunderCats. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of animation has earned them numerous awards and a dedicated fanbase.
The Creative Team Behind ChaO
ChaO is directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, known for his work on Batman: Gotham Knight and Kimagure Robot. Hirokazu Kojima (Deadman Wonderland, Coyote Ragtime Show) serves as the character designer and chief animation director, while Hiroshi Takiguchi (Ajin, The Case of Hana & Alice, The Garden of Words) is the art director. The soundtrack is composed by Takatsugi Muramatsu (Mary and The Witch’s Flower, Phoenix: Eden17).
The film features the voices of Ōji Suzuka (Kimi ni Todoke, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes) as Stephan and Anna Yamada (Golden Kamuy, Saki) as Chao. The supporting cast includes Ryota Yamasato as President Sea, Kavka Shishido as Mai Bei, Yuichiro Umehara as Roberta, Kenta Miyake as King Neptune, Ota Shunsei as Juno, Anna Tsuchiya as Editor-in-Chief, and Cookie! as the Ambassador Omede.
Production Details
ChaO has been in development for approximately seven years. Producer Eiko Tanaka revealed that the film is primarily hand-drawn, featuring over 100,000 drawings. The film blends traditional animation with CGI to create a visually stunning experience. Toei will distribute the film in Japan, with a theatrical release date set for August 15, 2025.
GKIDS: Champions of Animation
GKIDS has established itself as a leading distributor of high-quality animated films in North America. The company’s catalog includes numerous critically acclaimed and award-winning titles, such as:
- Films from Studio Ghibli
- Mirai
- Weathering with You
- Wolfwalkers
- The Secret of Kells
- Ernest & Celestine
In addition to theatrical distribution, GKIDS also handles home entertainment and digital transactional rights, ensuring that these films reach a wide audience. Their recent acquisition of DAN DA DAN, marks their first engagement with a first-run series.
A 100% Pure Love Story
ChaO promises to be a heartwarming and visually captivating film. The story is set in a future where humans and mermaids coexist. Stephen, an office worker, is suddenly asked to marry Chao, a mermaid princess, leading to a series of comedic and romantic situations. According to Studio 4°C, this is a “100% pure love story!”. The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and overcoming cultural differences, all set against a backdrop of stunning animation and imaginative world-building.
Release Plans
GKIDS has not yet announced the specific release plans for ChaO in North America. However, given their track record, it is likely that the film will receive a theatrical release, followed by home entertainment and digital distribution. Fans can stay updated on release details by following GKIDS’ official website and social media channels.
What to Expect From ChaO
- Unique Premise: A romantic comedy between a human and a mermaid in a futuristic setting.
- Stunning Animation: Studio 4°C’s signature visual style, blending hand-drawn animation with CGI.
- Heartwarming Story: A tale of love, acceptance, and overcoming cultural barriers.
- Talented Creative Team: Directed by Yasuhiro Aoki, with character designs by Hirokazu Kojima and music by Takatsugi Muramatsu.
- Acclaimed Studio: From Studio 4°C, known for titles like Children of the Sea and Tekkonkinkreet.
Anticipation Builds
The acquisition of ChaO by GKIDS has generated excitement among anime fans in North America. With its unique premise, stunning animation, and heartwarming story, ChaO has the potential to be another hit for Studio 4°C and GKIDS. As the film prepares to premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, anticipation continues to build for its eventual release in North America.
